Tel Aviv & Jaffa — A City of Energy and History
In 2009, Tel Aviv celebrated its 100th anniversary. Yet even today, Tel Aviv remains a symbol of youth, energy, ambition, and creativity — the country’s center of business, science, culture, and fashion, famously known as the “City That Never Stops.”
Right beside it lies ancient Jaffa, concealing more than 5,000 years of history beneath its hills. And this is where our journey begins.
From the panoramic viewpoint of Jaffa, we will enjoy breathtaking views of Tel Aviv before descending into the charming alleys of the Old City, discovering the magical atmosphere of the Artists’ Quarter and its elegant galleries.
We continue to the famous Jaffa Port, whose docks once witnessed:
- the sailors of King Solomon bringing cedar wood from Lebanon for the construction of the Temple,
- the Prophet Jonah attempting to flee from God’s will,
- Crusaders on their way to liberate the Holy Sepulchre,
- Napoleon advancing toward the East through Palestine,
- and generations of immigrants for whom the Land of Israel began at the Port of Jaffa.
We will see the House of Simon the Tanner, visited by Saint Peter according to the Acts of the Apostles, and visit the Franciscan Saint Peter's Church.
And of course, no visit to Jaffa would be complete without lunch at one of its famous seafood restaurants.
Our walk through Tel Aviv begins in its historic neighborhoods of Neve Tzedek and Ahuzat Bayit, the city’s earliest districts. Some courtyards and streets may remind visitors of Odessa — many of the first builders came from Ukraine, Russia, Poland, and Lithuania.
We will stroll along the iconic Rothschild Boulevard, where, at house No. 16, the State of Israel was proclaimed on May 14, 1948.
Spectacular views await us from the rooftop observatory of the Azrieli Center, once the tallest building complex in the Middle East. Today, the tallest tower stands nearby in Ramat Gan.
Art lovers may also visit the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, the museums of Nahum Gutman, Helena Rubinstein, and Ilana Goor, as well as numerous galleries throughout the city.
For music and performing arts enthusiasts, performances at the Israeli Opera and concerts at the Suzanne Dellal Centre are sure to leave a lasting impression.
We may also explore the world-famous Israel Diamond Exchange, where modern laser technology meets centuries-old craftsmanship, Jewish history, and contemporary design.
